TOURNAMENT favourite Bruce Burrowes rallied from a first game loss to win the final of the 2015 Liguanea Open squash tournament which was played at the Liguanea Club in Kingston over the weekend.

As Jamaica’s number three, Burrowes was the highest ranked of the tournament’s 56 entrants. However, the senior national team player could take nothing for granted as the competition’s handicap structure gave every player a chance to win the title.

In the final, Burrowes went head to head with All Jamaica Under-17 champion Tahjia Lumley, who created the tournament’s biggest upset when he eliminated defending champion Ashante Smith in the semi-finals.

The in-form junior player seemed set to cause more trouble when he won the first game. However, Burrowes broke even after winning a closely contested second game, and went on to seal the deal 15/21, 21/20, 21/18, 21/18.

“I knew it wasn’t going to be a walkover because Tahjia is a fighter, but once I shook off losing the first game, I just settled down and focused on playing each point and I came out ahead,” said Burrowes.

Burrowes and Lumley won one year and six months membership, respectively, at the Liguanea Club. The memberships allow them access to the club’s extensive sports, lifestyle and wellness facilities, including the gym, full service spa, tennis and squash courts, as well as the dining rooms and members lounge.

Third place went to Mario O’Connor and the Don Williams Award for Sportsmanship went to veteran Ray Binnie.

Executive Director for the tournament Douglas Beckford expressed satisfaction with the week-long event.

“This was probably the most successful staging of the tournament in recent years because we had a record number of entries, exciting play and excellent sportsmanship. We have to thank all of the players and officials, and our sponsors Avis, Allied Protection Limited, Garments R Us, Milex Security and GraceKennedy World Brands Services,” he said.